MONTEREY PARK , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five men are accused of starting a massive Malibu wildfire at that destroyed more than 50 homes and forced about 15,000 people to evacuate .

A firefighter works to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu , California , on November 24 .

Authorities say the five , ranging in ages from 18 to 27 , were drinking in a popular party spot in a cave at the park when they started the fire .

All five are from the Los Angeles area and are being charged with three felonies -- including two arson-related charges . Each count carries a sentence of two to four years in prison .

Baca said investigators traced the fire to the cave , then used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the men .

Investigators would not comment on why the men started the fire . During the investigation , fire officials speculated that a campfire may have started the blaze -- which engulfed roughly 5,000 acres and destroyed 80 structures , including the 53 homes .

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the wake of the fire , which started on November 24 .

The blaze , which was fueled by dry Santa Ana winds and low humidity , followed a spate of California wildfires in October that charred more than 508,000 acres in several counties . Those fires forced 1 million people from their homes and left 14 people dead .

The men are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday . E-mail to a friend

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NEW : Men were partying in a cave

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All five are from the Los Angeles area and are being charged with three felonies

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Receipts and surveillance camera footage helped investigators find the men

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Fire engulfed about 5,000 acres and destroyed more than 50 homes last month